2018 Maryland Code
Real Property
Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant
Subtitle 2 - Residential Leases
§ 8-212.3. Deduction from rent for utility payments by tenant owed by landlord
(a) Definitions. --
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) "Affected dwelling unit" has the meaning stated in § 7-309 of the Public Utilities Article.
(3) "Landlord" has the meaning stated in § 7-309 of the Public Utilities Article.
(4) "Tenant" has the meaning stated in § 7-309 of the Public Utilities Article.
(5) "Utility service" has the meaning stated in § 7-309 of the Public Utilities Article.
(6) "Utility service provider" has the meaning stated in § 7-309 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b) In general. -- A tenant may deduct from rent due to a landlord the amount of payments made to a utility service provider for utility service if:
(1) An oral or written lease for an affected dwelling unit requires the landlord to pay the utility bill; and
(2)
(i) The tenant pays all or part of the utility bill, including payments made on a new utility service account; or
(ii) The tenant pays any security deposit required to obtain a new utility service account.
(c) Waiver not permitted. -- A tenant's rights under this section may not be waived in any lease.
